"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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My CPAP Machine dries me out terribly and leaves my throat and the back of my sinuses raw. When I inadvertently applied some "Vapo-rub" to try to mediate the situation (like my parents did when using a steam machine when I was getting sick during my childhood), I was scolded by my VA Doctor, and told that it was a petroleum product that would pollute my lungs with a sticky mess, and might even gum up my CPAP! Does anyone know if there is something that can be added to the water to cause a less unpleasant reaction (potpourri, cinnamon, etc.?) I developed Apnea after a bout with Spinal Meningitis wherein many of my brain center controllers were overcome by a 106 degree fever for several weeks. Although I lived through the 18 months hospitalization as a potted plant on a Psychiatric Ward in the VA Hospital, Reno, I am still making some Recovery progress twenty years later, but now lots of my internal body parts don't work right anymore! Fun, Fun, Fun!!! Rev Aaron Fielder
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Banyon on
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Questions before answers:
Exactly which model machine and mask are you using? What is your pressure setting?
I assume your city is in a very dry climate. What humidifier setting are you using? How much water does the humidifier consume in eight hours?
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Permalink Reply by Rev Aaron Fielder on
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RemStarPro M Series with pressure at 2.5 My city is indeed in a very dry climate here in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Over the period of one sleep phase, I consume nearly a half tank of water, using only purified. I normally use a medium mask, as a large blows out beside my eye sockets and ears.
Banyon said:Questions before answers:
Exactly which model machine and mask are you using? What is your pressure setting?
I assume your city is in a very dry climate. What humidifier setting are you using? How much water does the humidifier consume in eight hours?
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I love your attitude and your sense of humor!!
2.5 can't be your pressure. 3 cms is the least amount of pressure the Pro or any CPAP I'm aware of can provide. I doubt that it is 25 as the Pro is not rated to produce over 20 cms of pressure consistently.
By purified water do you mean DISTILLED water? Only distilled water should be used in your humidifier and NOTHING should be added to the humidifier's distilled water or any water used in it.
I'm taking a guess you are mouth breathing or have a large leak rate. Have you asked your DME provider for a full printout of the data from your Pro? That data could provide some good clues as to what the problem is. Even if you are usiing a full face mask and are breathing thru your mouth in the mask you can dry out your throat and mouth and may need the humidifier turned up higher. But the easiest way to start pinpointing the problem is to get that full data download from your Pro.
How long have you had this particular mask? More than 3 months? Longer than 6 months? Do you still have the paperwork that came with it? Maybe a CD came w/it and you still have that CD?
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I must say in your inquiry that what I am using is certainly not a full face mask, as it barely fits above my mouth and over my nose! Seems it was meant for someone with a pretty small face, maybe a child? My face is much rounder, and the sponge attachment doesn't fit close enough as it stretches. Don't know where the VA got the things, but the first three masks I used broke the "Chinese" Plastic attachment pins and had to be replaced, each within a couple of months! I am told now that what I have came from New Zealand, and is a better design...but the size is not the same, and they don't seem to have anything in my fit! Whoopie for the Government!!! As I am sure you are suggesting, I probably am "mouth breathing," at least once my sinuses get plugged, and therein lies the problem! I really am not too sure about the settings because a nurse at the VA Hospital adjusted everything before giving the machine to me in the first place (for the climate of Arizona, supposedly?) I do have a CD, and have gone through it a couple of times...and I even took a class on "How to take care of my machine," but that was with a different machine before I got this one with Hydrating capabilities. My old one didn't have water at all...and boy was that Fun! I guess I am simply not used to all of the settings yet, specific to this climate...I originally started using in Reno, Nevada (where it wasn't quite so dry!)
Judy said:I love your attitude and your sense of humor!!
2.5 can't be your pressure. 3 cms is the least amount of pressure the Pro or any CPAP I'm aware of can provide. I doubt that it is 25 as the Pro is not rated to produce over 20 cms of pressure consistently.
By purified water do you mean DISTILLED water? Only distilled water should be used in your humidifier and NOTHING should be added to the humidifier's distilled water or any water used in it.
I'm taking a guess you are mouth breathing or have a large leak rate. Have you asked your DME provider for a full printout of the data from your Pro? That data could provide some good clues as to what the problem is. Even if you are usiing a full face mask and are breathing thru your mouth in the mask you can dry out your throat and mouth and may need the humidifier turned up higher. But the easiest way to start pinpointing the problem is to get that full data download from your Pro.
How long have you had this particular mask? More than 3 months? Longer than 6 months? Do you still have the paperwork that came with it? Maybe a CD came w/it and you still have that CD?
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Rev, Let me suggest you educate yourself some more about CPAP (All of us started out knowing little to nothing). IMO, a patient should know much more about their therapy. They should know the brand and exact model of their CPAP machine and mask; their pressure settings; their favorite humidifier setting (2.5?); the difference between nasal cushions, nasal pillows, and full face masks; when a nasal mask is appropriate and when a full face mask is required.
Besides reading this forum and asking questions, I find it helpful to go to a good CPAP equipment internet dealer's site (cpap.com is one of many http://www.google.com/search?q=cpap+equipment&rls=com.microsoft...) and read the manufacturer's descriptions of their machines and masks and look at the illustrations.
As Judy mentioned, the problem you posted about is likely related to mouthbreathing. I always recommend a full face mask (covers nose and mouth for mouthbreathing and would recommend you use one and see if the throat and sinus problem is relieved.
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Permalink Reply by Winn Sammons on
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Should the reverend be using a chin strap? I use nasal pillows, but require a chin strap to keep my mouth from opening during the night. As a result, I have virtually no dry mouth in the morning.
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I do not presently have a chin strap, but will get one. I guess what I have been doing is going about this all "backwards!"
TYPICAL! Thank you, Winn, for your helpful suggestion.
Winn Sammons said:Should the reverend be using a chin strap? I use nasal pillows, but require a chin strap to keep my mouth from opening during the night. As a result, I have virtually no dry mouth in the morning.
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